In this episode, we're joined by Audrey Lawson-Sanchez (Executive Director of Balanced.org) to talk about the health and environmental risks of processed meats, why they're still so common on school and hospital menus, and how to start making simple, satisfying swaps. From evidence-based insights to easy plant-based alternatives, we cover everything from Beyond sausages and tempeh bacon to jackfruit, carrot hot dogs.

• Balanced.org

• Rainbow Plant Life

• IARC Processed Meat Classification (2015)

• Gonzalez et al., Food Research International (Review on meat and cancer)

• Zang et al., British Journal of Nutrition (2023) – Processed meat and chronic disease

• NCI et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – Processed meat and depression

• Lightlife Tempeh Bacon

• Jack & Annie’s – Jackfruit-based meat alternatives

• Simple Truth Eggplant Bacon

• Sweet Earth Benevolent Bacon

In this episode, Eden is joined by Audrey Lawson-Sanchez, Executive Director of Balanced, to explore the often-overlooked impacts of poultry consumption—from health and nutrition to antibiotic resistance, food safety, and environmental concerns. They discuss nutrition and health implications, factory farming risks, pandemic potential, and how menus can move beyond chicken to healthier, more sustainable options. It's all about progress, not perfection—and this conversation is packed with practical tips, favorite swaps, and big-picture insights.

• "What’s Wrong With Factory Farming?" – Public Health Ethics (2015)
• We Are the Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer
• You Are What You Eat – Netflix docuseries
• The Smell of Money – Documentary on factory farming

• Meati Foods
• Daring Foods
• Banza Pasta
• Rebellyous Foods

We're talking all things eggs — why prices are up, what bird flu has to do with it, and how to swap them out with delicious, plant-based alternatives for cooking and baking. 🍳🌱

Season 1 Episode about eggs

Sources:

• NIH: Choline in Plant Foods

• USDA: Bird Flu Updates

• FDA: Bird Flu in Dairy

Products & Companies Referenced:

• FOLKE (Vancouver)

• Watercourse Foods (Denver)

• JUST Egg

• Bob’s Red Mill

• Wonder Eggs

• Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World